UCC Demons ease into final four of national cup with comfortable win
Demons went into the game minus player coach Colin O’Reilly and Roy Downey and although it took them longer than usual to show their true form, they had little difficulty booking their place in the last four.
Although happy with the win, Demons co-captain Kyle Hosford believes the best has yet to come from his team.
“We started slow but once we found our rhythm in the second quarter we never looked back,” Kyle said.
“The cup is the premier championship to win in this country, and we want to make it three in a row in association with the club celebrating its 50th anniversary.”
The Eagles got a good start and with Demons defence all at sea they trailed 12-4 the fifth minute following some dreadful Demons defending.
Coach O’Reilly substituted his entire starting five and although they improved a little, they still trailed 19-11 entering the second period.
The UL American Stats Battle began with a stunning three pointer as Demons continued to a look disorganised.
As the quarter matured, Demons were fortunate Carleton Cuff found his scoring touch as he contributed 15 points in this period that helped his team lead 41-33 at the interval.
The home side opened up with a basket and three pointer from Ciarán O’Sullivan as it was evident this game was running away from the Shannonsiders.
Demons were now in full flow and with Kyle Hosford dictating affairs at the point, they surged into a 21-point lead with three minutes remaining in the quarter.
Leading 65-41 Demons entering the fourth period, the home side could afford to use various rotations as the sound of the final buzzer was greeted with relief by the Limerick side.
A O’Sullivan, K Hosford, L Colbert, C O’Sullivan, D O’Hanlon, L Carmody, C Cuff, D Bucan, J O’Mahony.
R Lynch, E Quigley, S Battle, P McCarthy, S Hickey, P Howlin, P McCarthy, M Duggan, C Byrne, K Burchardt, J McAuliffe, D O’Shea.
M Nazimek (Dublin), P Caden (Dublin), M Thornhill (Cork).
